Derby Day 2015: Where to Watch and Party in Washington

Bourbon, mint, a hint of sugar, and crushed ice make a classic julep at Acadiana. Photograph courtesy of Acadiana.

Odds are good that American Pharoah, running from post 18, will earn the garland of roses in tomorrow’s Kentucky Derby—and chances are even better that you’ll be able to find a mint julep in the hours leading up to the race.

For those new to the Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports: Horses will run one-and-one-quarter miles on Saturday at exactly 6:24 Eastern time. The race will be fast, men will wear seersucker and bowties, women will don big hats, and everyone will get rip-roaring drunk. The good news: you don’t have to be anywhere near Churchill Downs to follow suit. Washington restaurants and bars are pouring mint juleps, whipping up Hot Browns, slicing Derby pie, and serving other festive eats and drinks.

The Louisiana classic kicks off its annual Triple Crown festivities by serving Hot Browns, burgoo stew, and derby pie, starting at 2. Wash it all down with Bulleit bourbon mint juleps, and dress your best for a chance to win a gift certificate. Prizes are going for Best DIY, Prettiest, and Craziest outfits.

For $12 you can get one of three different Maker’s Mark juleps: a house barrel-aged julep, an iced julep served like a Slushie, and a julep on tap, made with angostura and peach bitters. Hot Browns will also be served.

There’s no lack of celebration at this popular U Street pub, which combines a Derby party over three floors with Funk Parade festivities. A DJ, live band, drink specials, boozy cupcakes, and a Preakness ticket giveaway are all in the mix. Though genteel behavior is not guaranteed, derby attire is recommended.

One of the biggest derby parties goes down from 4 to 7 at this Adams Morgan whiskey bar, hosted by Southern lifestyle magazine Garden & Gun. The all-inclusive soiree on the rooftop terrace includes juleps and food, access to a cigar lounge, and music from Nashville duo Lindsay Ellyn and Taylor Alexander ($125 per person). The downstairs saloon will still be open to the public, serving juleps, whiskey, and punch. If you’re headed to the roof, make sure you wear your finest seersucker, bow tie, or hat; awards go to best in show. Buy tickets here.

Tickets to this pork and whiskey-filled party are no longer available online, but $48 gets you everything but the juleps—including whole roast pig injected with a whiskey-apple-maple syrup sauce, peach bourbon-glazed ribs, and sausage. Great Divide Hercules, Jack’s Hard Cider, and Hellbender Southern Torrent Saison are on tap and part of the package; mint juleps will be on sale if you want something a little more classic.

A special southern menu begins at 3 with fried green tomatoes, Hot Browns, and Derby pie. Cocktails, all for $8, include a mint julep, blackberry sage julep, peach tarragon julep, and black-eyed Susan, the official drink of the Preakness.